Each year, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield begins with one of its most significant experiences — the Ironbark Outdoor Education Program. For our Year 9 students, Ironbark offers a unique opportunity to step away from technology and daily routines, and instead spend time developing independence, self-awareness and resilience. It is a moment in their schooling journey where routine and comfort and intentionally set aside for a time of gratitude and growth.
Established in 1974, Ironbark celebrated 50 years in 2024. Set in the natural surrounds of Crows Nest, Ironbark was founded on the belief that “there is more in you than you think”, a guiding principle that still shapes the program today. The experience is built around the values of Community, Commitment and Connection, which are intentionally embedded in daily routines, group challenges and moments of reflection. These values are not just taught; they are lived and experienced.
During Term 1, two separate Year 9 groups travel to the program in either the first or second half of the Term. During this time, students engage in a range of tasks including cooking, cleaning, caring for the farm animals, horse-riding, hiking, orienteering, ropes courses and tree-climbing. This all occurs while students live together in dorm style accommodation and enjoy each other’s company at evening game nights and bush dances. Throughout all these activities, the students are building a sense of accountability and resilience through their shared experience. It is a time that shapes character and perspective.
The benefits of the program are often most visible after students return home. Parents frequently note how their children come back with a new sense of independence and willingness to contribute at home. One parent shared: “Thank you, our boy is different, he has changed. He is on his devices less, he is more helpful around the house, he has been cooking dinner and asking what else he can do. We missed him terribly, but we can really see the change in him and the importance of the program in his personal growth as a young adult.”
Over the years, Ironbark has become a defining experience for many St Peters students. The time spent away often creates noticeable change. Students learn to manage challenges, to communicate effectively, and to reflect on their place in a group. It’s no surprise that Ironbark is often mentioned by Old Scholars as one of their most memorable experiences at St Peters. It is a shared reference point and connection that links generations of students together.
The success of the Ironbark program lies not only in its design but also in the dedication of the people who bring it to life. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Sullivan and the Ironbark team for their ongoing commitment to shaping our students in meaningful ways.
At St Peters Springfield, Ironbark continues to stand as one of the College’s most important experiences. It is a practical, reflective and relational preparation for life. It represents our commitment to shaping students who are ready to lead with purpose, grounded in values and connected to their community.
Mr Craig Brown Head of Springfield
What's On
24 April 2025 - 1 May 2025
24 April
Primary Years Friendship Day
Year 8/9 FTEA Fashion Excursion
Year 7 Debating Round 2
Anzac Day Service
25 April
Anzac Day Public Holiday
28 April
Primary Years and Secondary Years Cross Country Carnivals (Years 4-12)
29 April
Year 11/12 Geography Excursion
Year 5 GOMA Excursion
30 April
Year 10 Debating Round 3
Parent Insight Series | AI in Education: Navigating the Future
1 May
Central Comets District Cross Country
Year 8 Debating Round 3
Secondary Years Easter Service
Mother's Day Celebration
Join us for a lovely morning featuring a light breakfast followed by a Chapel Service dedicated to honouring the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our community.
Please see below the official invitation with details about the event, kindly RSVP by Friday 25 April to confirm your attendance. Registrations are essential for catering purposes. Please note that tickets are strictly limited due to facility and catering capacity.
We are expanding our Parent Insight sessions at St Peters Springfield to include new Breakfast Seminars. These events will focus on emerging educational trends and provide practical adaptation strategies for our College community.
Our first session, AI in Education: Navigating the Future, will be a breakfast event, held on Wednesday 30 April, 2025, from 7:00am to 8:00am. We will provide a light breakfast, along with tea and coffee. This session will predominantly target Secondary Years families, but we warmly invite Upper Primary Years families interested in understanding this crucial topic to join us as well.
We look forward to seeing you at our Breakfast Seminars and building stronger connections between home and school as we navigate the exciting future of education together!
We are excited to continue our Senior Leaders Coffee Catch-Ups in Term 2. Our Coffee Catch-Ups take place every Wednesday from 7:45am-8:15am at The Hearts Cafe Coffee Nook.
Each week, a member of our Senior Leadership Team will be available to chat with parents and students over coffee. Whether you have specific matters to discuss or simply wish to connect with our Leadership Team, our Leaders are eager to engage with you.
Next Wednesday 30 April, Ms Sarah Gunn-Glazebrook will be hosting the session. She looks forward to connecting with parents and community members in these meaningful conversations.
We warmly invite you to drop by and join us!
Mr Craig Brown Head of Springfield
Football Trivia Night | Saturday 10 May 2025
Ministry
An Easter Community
Most people will have heard of a ‘Doubting Thomas’. Who was the original ‘Doubting Thomas’? He was one of Jesus’ disciples, one who disbelieved the news that Jesus had risen from the dead.
After the Easter event, Jesus appeared to most of the disciples, but Thomas was absent. Consumed by grief, fear, and stress, he had cut himself off from his friends. It’s a very human tendency to want to seek solitude, but while it’s understandable, it may not necessarily be helpful.
Fortunately, he hadn’t cut himself off from his friends completely. Eventually, he met again with the others, and it was then that he noticed a significant difference in them. Their fear was largely gone, to be replaced by joy and peace. It was clear that something had breathed new life into them. They claimed they had seen Jesus.
But Thomas refused to take their word for it. He had to be sure. We can sympathise with Thomas for feeling that way. He was merely echoing a very human cry for certainty. However, here on this earth, there is no such thing as certainty in spiritual things. We begin to see the need for faith and trust.
Despite his uncertainty and grief, Thomas did one important thing—he joined with the other apostles. Now he had the support of his friends. Within this community, he encountered the risen Jesus and rediscovered his faith.
To be a Christian (or just a spiritual person) in today’s world can sometimes be a lonely business. We begin to see how much we can benefit from support. It is within our community that we can work through our doubts and ask the difficult questions of our faith. It is within the circle of friends and colleagues that we are able to sustain and nurture one another.
Our St Peters school community not only supports each one of us in our spiritual journey, but also in our daily journey as we juggle the different aspects of our work and families, of grief and loss. When our lives get stressful, we can become isolated. And we, like Thomas, discover that going it alone can be hard and draining. But just as Thomas discovered the risen Lord in his community, we begin to realise that in the people around us, Jesus is truly here, travelling with us and supporting us in our journeys.
Kirstin Munchenberg Primary Years Chaplain (Indooroopilly)
Important Notices
ICAS Competition
Within our College community, there are students who shine brightly, displaying exemplary dedication and Academic talent. They deserve to be recognised. This year we are giving students the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the ICAS Competition.
What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online Academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills. This year, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield will offer students in Years 2 - 10 competition access in English, Mathematics and Science.
ICAS evaluates student performance against other competition entrants across the state and nation. The data reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can help you recognise and support your child's Academic journey.
Every student who participates in ICAS is celebrated with a printed certificate, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
Your child’s ICAS certificates will show their results and the login details, “TAP ID and Pin”. You will use these to enter the ICAS Results Portal: https://orti.icasassessments.com/ortiStudent
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please access the Parent Portal to register for your chosen subjects. Visit our shop and use our PPS code to log in:
Registration for all ICAS subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.
This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:
Subject
Sitting Date
Cost (AU$)
English
Monday 11 August 2025 @ 3:00pm (Location TBC)
$20.95
Science
Monday 18 August 2025 @ 3:00pm (Location TBC)
$20.95
Mathematics
Monday 25 August 2025 @ 3:00pm (Location TBC)
$20.95
Importantly, please note that the College will not facilitate any catch-up ICAS testing sessions if your child is unable to attend. Please also note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.
One of the standout events on the St Peters Lutheran College Springfield calendar is the highly anticipated Year 12 Formal. This year’s celebration, held on Wednesday 2 April at the iconic Grandview Room at Hillstone St Lucia, was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite the inclement weather, the excitement was undeterred. Students and their partners arrived in style, warmly greeted by family and friends in the elegant Rosewood Room. Before the formal proceedings began, attendees took full advantage of the opportunity to mingle and capture cherished moments in photos with their loved ones.
The evening featured heartfelt speeches from both staff and student representatives, offering reflections, gratitude and encouragement. Guests were then treated to a sumptuous three-course meal, adding to the sense of occasion and celebration.
As the night progressed, students filled the dance floor with energy and joy, while others enjoyed creating keepsake memories in the photo booth. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with laughter, music and the spirit of celebration.
It was truly a joyous evening, offering something for everyone and leaving attendees with unforgettable memories. The Class of 2025 should be immensely proud of the way they conducted themselves—gracious, respectful, and full of spirit. We wish them all the very best for the remainder of the year and beyond, carrying forward the lessons learned and friendships formed during their time at St Peters Springfield.
Mr Chris Cant Years 11 and 12 Coordinator
Expanding Student Leadership Opportunities at St Peters Springfield
We are proud to announce the introduction of Junior High Assistants as the newest addition to our growing student leadership program at St Peters Springfield. This initiative invites Year 9 students to step into leadership roles alongside our Senior Portfolio Captains, offering valuable support and fresh perspectives in shaping College life.
These Assistant roles:
Build on the personal development from the Ironbark experience,
Foster collaboration and mentorship between Year 9 and Year 12 Leaders, and
Strengthen student voice and engagement across our College.
Congratulations to the following students who have been appointed as Junior High Assistants for 2025:
Shanaya – Academic
Tejas – Academic
Barossa – Arts
Georgia – Arts
Alia – Cultural
Kimaya – Cultural
Tiya – Cunningham
Heidi – Faith & Service
Lian – Faith & Service
Ansel – Leichhardt
Jonah – Mitchell
Mali – Mitchell
Atong – Sport
Boden – Sport & Leichhardt
Max – Wellbeing
Abbie – Wellbeing & Cunningham
We look forward to the contributions these students will make as they lead with Care, Dignity, and Respect.
Mr Dominic Piacun Head of Secondary Years
Performing Arts
Be on time, Be prepared, Be a leader, Believe! Term 2 is busy!
Twilight Tours
On Tuesday 6 May and Tuesday 20 May a selection of students will be performing on either the Concourse or in the Junior High Precinct (JHP) Foyer during the Twilight Tours which will commence from 5:00pm-6:00pm with arrival time at 4:45pm. Parents and students will be notified via email.
Performing Arts Showcase Concerts
Due to staffing requirements there has been a swap of performance items and a new start time for Thursday 29 May. We look forward to showcasing the talents of our students at these events.
Please now note the following:
Wednesday 28 May Performing Arts Showcase 1 commencing at 4:30pm in the JHP Foyer will include performances by the Bands, Percussion/Guitar Ensembles and Mrs Scott’s S & C studio. Thursday 29 May Performing Arts Showcase 2 commencing at 4:30pm in the JHP Foyer will include performances by Strings, Dance Troupe and Choirs, Mrs Wilson ‘s S & C studio.
Anzac Day Service
Thanks to Cantabile Strings, Con Brio and Dolce Voce and Mrs Schmeider, Mrs Campbell, Mr Gibson, Ms Crellin, Ms Anstey-Codd and Mrs Pomerenke for assisting with the music preparations for the Anzac Day Service.
Dolce Voce Workshop
Tess Laird will be working with Dolce Voce on 30 April during their morning rehearsal. Tess is an experienced Kodaly music educator who has lectured the Kodaly method for the past 20 years both nationally and internationally and has been a Casual Academic Staff at the University of Queensland in postgraduate courses.
Opera Queensland Workshop
During the September School Holidays Opera Queensland will be hosting a three-day vocal workshop for students in Years 7-12. This is an opportunity for students to work closely with industry professionals in group and solo settings, and expand their knowledge of choral, classical, and contemporary singing.
The workshop will be tailored specifically to the attending students, so they can bring any examination, audition, or other repertoire to be looked at with our teaching artists.
Please see the link to our workshop flyer for more information, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday 30 April – Tess Laird Vocal Workshop (Dolce Voce)
Monday 12 May The Greater Springfield Community Festival (Time TBC)
Saturday 17 May onwards Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod (Dolce Voce and Poco Voce) TBC
Monday 26 May Waveney Yasso Workshop (selected students)
Wednesday 28 May 4:30pm Performing Arts Showcase 1 Strings/Choirs/Scott S & C
Thursday 29 May 6:00pm Performing Arts Showcase 2 Bands/Ensembles/Wilson S & C
Friday 30 May AVEO Primary Concert (Dolce Voce/Strings/Vocal/ S & D soloists)
Wednesday 18 June Joyful Voices – St Peters Indooroopilly Dolce Voce
Mrs Geraldine Campbell Performing Arts Coordinator
Sport
Springfield Sport
1. Sports Bus Bookings Students participating in Sport at Indooroopilly must book a seat on the Term 2 Sports Bus via the 2025 SFD Sport Bus Manifest on Teams. This must be done through the student’s account. For assistance, please contact k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
2. Inter-House Cross Country
We look forward to hosting our Interhouse Cross Country Carnival this Monday 28 April at the Springfield Sports Complex. The Secondary Years event kicks off at 9:00am and Primary Years at 11:00am. Students who have registered for the Plus Ultra 3000 are required to arrive by 7:15am.
3. Student Success
Congratulations to Addison F who recently competed at the National Track & Field Championships. Addison came away with three medals in the U17, U18 and U20 categories. Addison won Silver in the U17 400m Hurdles (Breaking the Queensland record), Silver in the U20 400m Hurdles and Gold in the U18 4x400m Relay. This is an amazing achievement, well done Addison.
4. Central District Sport Trials
Parents and guardians should refer to the 2025 Central Comets Trial Calendar for all upcoming trial dates. Nominations due to Mr Reed k.reed@stpeters.qld.edu.au.
Cross Country is our core sport focus right now, and I would like to encourage all of you to get involved. Mrs Schreiber and the coaching staff have created a fun, welcoming and encouraging environment for runners of all abilities, and I would encourage you to attend a training session!
In Term 2, all QGSSSA runners are expected to attend a meet or a team training session on a Wednesday. Attending the meet on a Wednesday afternoon is the priority, but if you cannot make the meet, please ensure you attend training on a Wednesday morning instead. Community Run Club continues on Monday and Friday mornings 6:30am–7:30am at the Internal Bus Stop. Check the school app regularly for the latest training schedule.
We will be attending the QGSSSA Cross Country meet held at Rangakarra, Fig Tree Pocket on Wednesday 30 April. Please register your interest by 9:00am on Tuesday 29 April. See the flyer and map below.
A reminder that Next Tuesday 29 April, our Basketball, Football, and Touch teams will be playing St Margaret’s in Round 5 of the QGSSSA Autumn Fixtures. Please see the school app for the draws.
Please refer to the school app for the latest information.
Student Achievements
We would like to acknowledge student sporting achievements throughout the year. If your daughter has competed at a national or international level, please click here to share the details with us.
Katie Veitch Girls Sport Coordinator
Boys Sport
“Every day, every year, every new season is a reset from the last, and you are still hungry for success, to do things better and better.” Fernando Alonso
Boys Weekly Sport
As the curtains rise on a fresh season of Term 2 school sport, we prepare for the upcoming trial round vs St Edmunds College. Chess will feature on Thursday evening in the CLI, starting the fixtures of a shortened school week, while St Peters will be hosting all Rugby games, which will be a great launch for the upcoming season, while all Senior Football will feature on Stolz and Harts Rd Oval.
Due to the nature of the quick turnaround, it is vital that students are aware of their respective teams and game times. I encourage students and parents to please check emails from coordinators.
For game times, please see below in this newsletter.
We are looking forward to a busy and successful season for you and your son!
Football
Football preparations are well underway for our trial round this weekend, with students making use of student-free days before and after the holidays to prepare for their respective matches against St Edmund's College and Ambrose Treacy College this Saturday.
A reminder that the Football Support Group will be running the annual Trivia Night on Saturday 10 May at 6:00pm in Café 45.
Over the holiday break, our Senior Rugby squad travelled to Canberra to prepare for the upcoming AIC Season. Thirty-three students and five staff departed on Friday 4 April and spent a week building memories both on and off the Rugby field.
The tour was a fantastic opportunity for our students to grow not only as Rugby players, but as young men—embracing the values of teamwork, mateship, and respect, while growing as a team and sightseeing in the nation’s capital.
Our Rugby Teams, U16 and U18, played a total of eight matches while in Canberra, recording wins in 6/8 games. Please see below a summary of results:
Sunday 6 April
Tuesday 8 April
31-17 (W) vs Vikings
Thursday 10 April
U16 5-24 (L) vs Marist U18 29-17 (W) vs Marist
These results will place St Peters in good stead for the upcoming AIC season as well as the many lessons learned on and off the field.
Aside from the sporting results, the Australian War Memorial and Mount Ainslie hike were both student and staff favourites, the War Memorial for the pivotal role WW1 played in forming Australia’s identity and honouring servicemen and women for their sacrifices. The teachings from the hike were powerful too, as students built their own stretchers, hiked the mountain and had to transport all teammates up the 2km summit. The lesson that sometimes you will need to carry your teammate and other times they will carry you became etched in both memory and muscle.
This trip could not have been achieved without the support of the staff and the Rugby Support Group.
Thank you to Eric Smythe for going above and beyond for their match preparation with video analysis, training sessions, and never sparing a minute to help our boys improve, Mr Leigh Smith for allowing our boys to continue to the best of their ability—providing strapping, rehabilitation, running fitness tests, and for bringing our groups closer together with the tribes, Mr Andrew Carey for his knowledge of both St Peters Rugby and Canberra and for always putting his hand up and no job being too big/small and providing another voice for our boys to reach out to and Mr Tyrell Barker for his leadership of his first Rugby Tour at St Peters and providing our young men with opportunities with the Brumbies. It was a great week thanks to you!
Chess
Chess will have its Trial Round on Thursday 24 April due to Anzac Day. Students will be assigned teams on Wednesday afternoon, and any students not selected are welcome to come and support their peers and play internal matches in the CLI.
cross country
Cross Country meets will occur on the following dates:
Week 4 – Wednesday 14 May, Sherwood
Week 5 – Wednesday 21 May, Curlew Park
Week 6 – Wednesday 28 May, Runcorn
Week 7 – Wednesday 4 June, AIC Cross Country Championships
AIC Chess, Football and Rugby Union are the current in-season AIC Boys Sports this term, and training is currently well underway. Cross Country has weekly Wednesday afternoon meets from Weeks 4–6 and the AIC Cross Country Championship in Week 7.
For details of times and venues for this weekend’s Trial Round please check the information on the school app.
Please ensure you check the school app for both venue details and time of games for the Trial Round of St Peters AIC Boys Sport.
Please CLICK HERE for the Chess game day schedule Please CLICK HERE for the Football game day schedule Please CLICK HERE for the Rugby game day schedule
For our St Peters sporting programs to positively develop and grow, it is paramount that our students attend training sessions for their chosen sport, so they can improve and refine sport-specific skills and build cohesion amongst their team-mates.
If students are unable to attend some training sessions, it is vital that their absence is communicated to their coaches firstly, and also the respective coordinator/s.
Athletic Development
The St Peter's Athletic Development Program supports students' physical growth and athletic performance, with sessions available before and after school in the Weights Room at the Indooroopilly Campus. Juniors (Years 7–9) focus on mastering fundamental movement patterns, while Seniors (Years 10–12) build on these skills with tailored programs for all levels. Regardless of gym experience, we cater for all levels and encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity. Boys are encouraged to attend Athletic Development.
ST PETERS ACHIEVEMENTS
To help St Peters celebrate the sporting achievements of students who have competed in a State or National teams, please complete the Microsoft form – CLICK HERE
With hundreds of athletes competing in dozens of sports, this will help us ensure your child's achievements are not left unnoticed and can be considered for College celebrations.
Please also CLICK HERE to access the AIC Sport Calendar for 2025.
Matchday expectations
A reminder that all St Peters boys must be dressed correctly at both AIC training and games. All uniforms can be purchased from Shop45 or via School locker, please refer to the respective website for opening hours. For matchday, enclosed footwear must be worn to games; no slides or Crocs are to be worn at St Peters or AIC schools. They are not part of the school uniform and are a risk for Workplace Health and Safety.
Football
Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
Training – students must wear their St Peters training uniform to training, including shin guards and boots.
Games – students must wear:
St Peters numbered Football shirt (NO Sports/PE shirts)
St Peters maroon PE/Sports shorts
Long St Peters maroon socks with shin guards
Joggers/sneakers MUST be worn at all times before/after games – NO slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
Rugby
Training and Playing Uniform Requirements
Training – students must wear their ‘program shirt’ to training.
Games – students must wear:
St Peters ‘program shirt’ and then get changed into your Rugby jersey
Mouthguard (mandatory)
Long St Peters maroon socks
Joggers/sneakers MUST be worn at all times – NO slides or thongs are to be worn at any time
Chess
Students are to wear their formal uniform to their matches.
ST PETERS STUDENT SPECTATORS ON GAMEDAYS
Should any St Peters student be attending a St Peters sporting event/game outside of normal College hours, they are expected to be dressed in St Peters formal uniform. Should a student not be wearing the correct attire when attending a sporting event/game, they may be asked to leave the venue.
WET WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS
With regards to wet weather and any unforeseen or potential cancellations of AIC sports, please ensure that you check the school app for notifications and alerts. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated on both training cancellations and game day changes as the week progresses.
